A stunning defeat for the reluctant leaders on their 125th anniversary against a Gran Canaria squad that is still improving under Diego Martínez’s leadership.

Their 125th anniversary festivities took a turn for the worst on Saturday after they lost to Las Palmas. In a game tainted by errors, the Catalan team, captained by Hansi Flick, was unable to establish a rhythm and eventually fell to goals from Sandro and Fábio Silva. The defeat revealed Barcelona’s growing weakness as their rivals took advantage of the home team’s inability to defend transitions, casting doubt on their capacity to hold onto their lead in the standings.

The stadium had an electrifying atmosphere, but instead of inspiring the team, it seemed to divert them. Barcelona looked uneasy, whether it was the flags hanging over the stands or the white pants that paid homage to the classic blue-and-burgundy uniform. Due to important absences like Olmo and Lamine Yamal, Flick had to rearrange his starting lineup, using Pablo Torre on the right wing, Fermín in an attacking midfield position, and Gavi as a pivot.

The experiment didn’t work out. Barcelona tried to exert pressure high up the field, but they took the initiative and became braver and more self-assured. Sandro and McKenna missed opportunities to score as the Gran Canaria players, who were having a lively stretch of transitions, came quite near.

Barcelona was prompted to take action by those near misses, changing their emphasis from celebration to competition in an attempt to reclaim control. Flick brought in two talented wingers and combined the talents of Fermín, Pedri, and Gavi. Although the team’s mistakes were lessened by this infusion of creative skill, their opponent’s defense was not significantly unbalanced.

Neither Koundé nor Balde, who was taken off the field on a stretcher following a collision with Sandro, were able to successfully extend the play as Barcelona battled to regain their footing. Raphinha struck the woodwork, leaving the goalie with little to do before halftime, and only Fermín put Cillessen to the test.

Flick quickly made changes at the interval, putting Raphinha back in his natural place and replacing Pablo Torre with Lamine Yamal. Despite the potential of these alterations, Sandro’s outstanding play—who had been active throughout the game—overshadowed them. Sandro capitalized on Barcelona’s failed pressure to score. His clinical finish beyond Iñaki Peña raised red flags for the home team.

In response, Flick pushed Barcelona forward in an attempt to get a response, bringing on Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres, and Héctor Fort. With Raphinha proving elusive in the attacking midfield position and Pedri beginning to find space, the Catalans steadily increased their pressure on the Las Palmas goal. Raphinha leveled the score in one sequence by turning with ease and launching an unstoppable strike low into the corner.

But Fábio Silva’s brilliant touch on a long ball resulted in a breathtaking cross-field goal that hushed the Lluís Companys stadium, ending Barcelona’s brief comeback. Nerves afflicted the Catalans from that point on. Raphinha was the most dangerous player in Flick’s team, but Cillessen stopped both of their attempts despite their unrelenting efforts. Barcelona currently has two games left and is only four points behind after three straight league games without a victory.